My internship at the World Affairs Council during Summer and Fall Quarters of 2011 started with a trip to the Career Center prior to my first quarter at UW Bothell. I learned that professional development, including networking, is just as important as academic prowess. As a result of regular interaction with my professors, Leslie Ashbaugh invited me to a graduate class lecture by the World Affairs Council’s Senior Director of Professional Development, Tese Wintz Neighbor. Before the lecture, I researched the organization and found that my interests aligned with its mission: providing opportunities for global citizenship by advancing understanding of international events and culture. After the lecture, I approached Tese to network and by the end of the conversation, she invited me for an internship interview. During my internship, I worked with foreign dignitaries, as well as prominent American foreign affairs representatives, and created resource packets for high school teachers on Afghanistan, Pakistan, North Korea, Egypt, and President Carter, which are being used to this day. The experience opened many doors for me. " Ismaila Maidadi, Class of 2012, Global Studies

The greater Seattle area is home to numerous international organizations like the World Affairs Council. You don’t have to travel far to have an internationally-enriching experience. There are many ways to get involved on-campus and in the community.